Law Enforcement Policies
This Policies section highlights how law enforcement policy plays out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
New laws and court decisions mean updated law enforcement policies; here’s an overview of some important topics to watch throughout the year
Exploring the ever-growing array of options and implements that promise to restore order to out-of-control situations
The association’s position is that officers should be permitted to review BWC recordings before they are required to give a statement or write a report
Union president Lt. Bob Kroll said Tuesday the union was left “blindsided” by being denied the right to review officer body camera video
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is pushing ahead with a test vote Wednesday, but without Democratic backing the bill is not expected to advance.
In the years since the Supreme Court’s decision, some people – including many criminal defense attorneys – have suggested officers be held to a different standard
Troopers must wear them at all times and turn them on any time they are interacting with the public or responding to a call
Under the policy, the city will release audio and video recordings of any fatal officer-involved incidents within 30 days
We have substantial ‘problems lying in wait’ in too many law enforcement agencies that we need to address
City council members plan to introduce bills prohibiting crowd control weapons; 3 are calling for Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign
New department policies require officers to step in if they witness an colleague engaging in wrongdoing
Portland mayor Ted Wheeler ordered the city to stop using a common type of tear gas except as a last resort
Mayor Jenny Durkan said the ban on CS gas would continue for 30 days
The policy requires officers to “either stop or attempt to stop” another officer when physical force is being applied inappropriately
“It is time for our department to focus on alternative de-escalation tools and techniques that will help ensure the safety of those individuals in our custody”
Police officers are also now required to intervene any time they see an unauthorized use of force by another officer
As this incident leads the news, it is imperative we identify lessons we can apply to training, policy and community relations
Tactical decisions, including the decision to use force, require a quick calculation of the risk of action against the risk of delay
De-escalation and communication skills are key in the fast-paced, unpredictable world of emergency psychiatry
We need to get officers thinking about where and when to deploy spike strips, as well as where not to deploy them
The clarity, consistency and credibility of internal messaging was particularly important during this event
A woman was killed when plainclothes officers entered her home with a no-knock warrant and her boyfriend, believing them to be intruders, opened fire on them
Leaders in our nation’s jails and prisons should follow these six steps to address the crisis, reduce the risk and provide much-needed support
Your lifesaving emergency equipment won’t work properly if you don’t maintain it
“It doesn’t surprise me, to be honest with you,” said Cpl. James Ellenberger. “Some will post their crimes on Faceboook and talk about how they think they’ve gotten away with it”
You are never off duty as a police officer when it comes to how you represent yourself, your agency and your responsibilities
A video of a cop criticizing COVID-19 decrees has amassed nearly 1 million views and reignited the discussion about what officers should and should not say in uniform
Vigilance at every step helps officers avoid complacency and ward off prisoner escapes or assaults
Should all able-bodied sworn officers be placed in uniform into field operations until the orders are rescinded?
With unscrupulous manufacturers selling defective masks and citizens donating ‘homemade’ efforts, public safety agencies must establish face mask guidelines
Most of the killings tragically involve a definable list of deadly tactical errors
When asked if agencies had conducted training in the COVID decrees and explained the penalties for violations and enforcement procedures, more than 60% said no
This pandemic provides an extraordinary opportunity to reshape law enforcement operations and relationships with communities
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